Tuesday, November 12, 2013

My Murder, My True love

Forbes Magazine published an article, a few months
back, which ranked Pakistan 11th on the list of the most unhappy nations in the world.
At first glance, there seems to be no obvious reasons for such declarations
but, upon further reflection on the present environment and the political
rhetoric, my thought blossomed like an unfurling parachute.

The untimely death of Hakeemullah Mehsud has
sent the Pakistani nation and, especially, the right-wing political leadership
spiraling into depression, They wonder when Sharia can become the law of
the land? When will the nation witness the birth of another Hakeemullah Mehsud
who will shatter all records by claiming 50,000 kills (we all know that records
are not made in a day!)?

A leader who was the link between the Afghan
Taliban, the Punjabi Taliban and Al-Qaida. He mastered the precision of
slitting Pakistani soldiers’ throats. He righteously declared Quaid-i-Azam to
be a Kafir-e-Azam and generously handed out fatwas of kufr free of charge. He
proudly accepted all responsibility for explosive acts of terrorism. I ask you,
how can a nation be joyful when a hero of this stature leaves us? This tragedy
is compounded when it follows another great loss...yes I am talking about the
Honorable Sheikh Osama bin Laden. What nation would not lose its ability to
smile in the face of such devastating tragedies?

The demise of
Hakeemullah Mehsud has also plunged the government of Pakistan into an abysmal
sadness. Chaudhry Nisar, the interior minister, was unable to control his
emotions and droned ...I mean... addressed a very sentimental press conference.
Meanwhile, prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif also arrived home after his foreign
trip.

This breaking news felt
like a drone attack to Imran Khan, who was already distraught over Malala
Yousafzai’s Nobel Award nomination. With a show of strength he was able to rein
in his despair and after declaring solidarity with the fallen leader announced
that the NATO supply routes should be shut down in protest. After more time had
passed and Imran’s anger was yet unabated, he broke tradition and attended the
national assembly session for an unprecedented third time. He delivered a
moving eulogy to the dear departed and left everyone wondering why we did not
witness such a display of emotion at the time of Major General Sanaullah Khan’s
shahadat?

Jama’at Islami was not
far behind. Munnawar Hussan immediately bestowed the honor of Shaheed upon the
deceased and prayed for his elevation into Jannah. May be Mr. Munnawar Hussain
forgot that Hakeemullah Mehsud, himself, had facilitated the last meeting between
Allah Ta’ala and Colonel Imam.

Confusion ensued when we
read and heard about the distress of law enforcement agencies. Why were these
esteemed persons upset? Maybe they were upset over the fact that they had been
unable to collect the considerable bounty. After all, the deceased had
sacrificed the lives of many Pakistani soldiers to actualize this prestige.

Even
the media was complicit in depriving the nation of any semblance of joy. The
news of the tragic death was broadcast right when Pakistan was about to win the
second one day match against South Africa...even though the drone attack had
happened the day before and our hero had already departed for his much
anticipated meeting with seventy-two hoors. I wish that the media had waited
and given the nation a chance at experiencing some pleasure.